The strategic deployment of advanced digital technologies has significantly improved emergency response operations and enhanced road safety across Lagos State, the General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, has said.
Bakare-Oki stated this during a weekend operational review, where he outlined how the integration of modern technology into traffic management operations has transformed the agency’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to road accidents and other emergencies.
According to him, the introduction of surveillance drones, Traffic Management System (TMS) cameras, GPS-enabled patrol vehicles, intelligent communication platforms, body cameras, toll-free hotlines, automated incident-detection systems and a centralized command-and-control centre has repositioned LASTMA for faster and more coordinated interventions.
He explained that real-time monitoring and digital synchronization now allow incidents to be detected almost instantly, verified through live feeds and relayed directly to the nearest patrol or rescue team. This, he said, has drastically reduced response time and improved on-ground coordination.
“Our commitment to technological modernization is anchored on the imperative to safeguard human life. Every minute saved in emergency response is invaluable,” Bakare-Oki said, adding that the new systems have enhanced the speed, precision and professionalism of operatives.
The General Manager further disclosed that LASTMA’s Rescue Team, Monitoring and Surveillance Unit, zonal commanders and other field officers are now equipped with mobile data terminals and integrated communication tools that ensure constant interaction with the central command centre. This system enables rapid traffic rerouting, prompt coordination with medical and security agencies, and swift clearance of accident scenes to prevent secondary crashes and prolonged gridlock.
Bakare-Oki also highlighted the use of predictive data analytics to identify congestion trends, accident-prone corridors and high-risk locations. This approach allows the authority to deploy personnel proactively, especially during peak periods, to prevent incidents from escalating.
He described the digital transformation as part of the Lagos State Government’s broader vision of building a smart and resilient megacity, noting that the modernization drive has strengthened operational efficiency, transparency in enforcement and data-driven decision-making.
Digital documentation platforms, he added, now provide comprehensive records of incidents, supporting improved policy formulation and continuous refinement of traffic management strategies.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment to protecting lives and ensuring seamless urban mobility, Bakare-Oki assured residents that investment in technology, capacity building and inter-agency collaboration would continue.
The authority also urged motorists and other road users to comply with traffic regulations and cooperate with operatives to sustain safer and more orderly roads across Lagos State.
Digital Upgrade Boosts LASTMA’s Emergency Response on Lagos Roads — GM
